author & educator

Ain Heath Drew is an award-winning author whose first love is writing beautiful stories for children and is deeply motivated by the need for more diverse characters and storytellers in children’s literature. Drew has published three children's books, Ari J.’s Kinky, Curly Crown, Ari J.’s Firefly Rescue, and Ayo’s Adventure: Across the African Diaspora from Afro to Zulu (2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People, 2025 Children’s Book Council Librarian Favorites Winner, 2025 English Association’s Non-Fiction Picture Book Award Winner).

Drew earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature with an emphasis on professional writing and an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education. By day, Drew is an elementary school interventionist. As an educator, her goal is for all children to experience the joy of immersing themselves in the magic of books.

As a former freelance word slinger, Drew revels in using storytelling to highlight entrepreneurs, the work of nonprofit organizations, and creatives. Currently, Ain volunteers as the Story Seeds editor for Raising Mothers, where she shares the inspirations and processes of fellow children’s book authors.

During breaks from work and shuffling words around pages, Drew enjoys spending time with her son, DJ, sampling cuisines, exploring new places and green spaces, and reading everything from non-fiction to comic books. She also loves traveling and learning about the cultures and traditions that add to the beauty of the African diaspora.

Because she is always ready to talk about books, Drew appreciates every moment she’s asked to speak about children’s literature and literacy or read stories to brilliantly curious groups of little ones.